A developer has clear cut as many as 30 mature trees from a property at the corner of Bayview Ave. and Bayview Ridge apparently without authorization to do so. Neighbors are saying some of the trees were 100 years old. Ward 25 member Jaye Robinson says the fines could be $100,000 a tree. The action by townhouse builders Format Group has shocked and infuriated residents. The community is caught in what appears to be an unstoppable transformation of north Bayview from large homes on large lots into rows of townhouses much like those opposite Sunnybrook Medical Centre. Quite likely there will be plans for high-rise condos. Format Group is developing what it calls “an upscale community comprising of two blocks of exquisitely appointed homes.” On its website, Format claims that it is “known for masterfully developing luxurious communities and one-of-a-kind custom homes that seamlessly fit into the fabric of the community.”
MAYOR TORY INCENSED
Mayor John Tory was angry as he reacted to the clear cutting case. He said the developer should face severe fines, perhaps the maximum. The City of Toronto issued a stop-work order on Wednesday after learning of the cutting. Tory said that he understood that dozens were taken down and that this will be the “biggest single infraction” on record. “We can’t be serious about trees to the point that we have debates over single trees before the entire city council and then just let somebody come in here and take down dozens of tress, some of them 100 plus years old. It is not acceptable,” Tory said. CBC
they are his trees on his property. he can do what he wants.